Whether you are considering a trip to Colorado Springs or have lived here for years there are many sites in the area worth visiting.

Getting Around Colorado Springs

Traveling north/south in Colorado Springs: The major north/south artery in Colorado Springs is I-25. I-25 was recently expanded to three full lanes through the city making this highway a desirable path to easily travel the length of the city in less than 30 minutes. Just east of I-25 is Academy Blvd. Starting from the south entrance to US Air Force Academy, Academy Blvd (Hwy 83) continues south ending on the north end of Ft Carson. Another major north/south road traversing most of the eastern side of the city is Powers Blvd. North Powers begins at Hwy 83 (just east of I-25 exit 153) and extends past the airport ending just north of Fountain. Plan on at least 45 minutes during non-rush hour to travel the full length of Powers Blvd. Marksheffel Rd is quickly becoming another north/south thorough fare on the far east side of town with the development of Banning Lewis Ranch. Marksheffel currently extends from Woodman Road to Fountain.

Traveling east/west: There are a few more options for traveling east/west in Colorado Springs. Starting from the north end of town and working south; Interquest Pkwy connects I-25 and Hwy 83; Briargate parkway connects Academy Blvd and Powers Blvd; Research Pkwy connects Academy Blvd and Powers Blvd; Woodmen Road is a major road connecting Rockrimmon on the western side of I-25 to Hwy 24 in Falcon; Hwy 24 extends beyond Woodland Park to the west of Colorado Springs and Falcon to the east and eventually connects with I-70; Circle Dr, once a major artery in the city, is Lake Ave east of I-25 to the Broadmoor Hotel and Circle on the west side of I-25 extending north.

Kid Friendly Colorado Springs Area Attractions

Bear Creek Nature Center
Off 26th St. at 245 Bear Creek Rd., features a hands-on interactive display of Colorado wildlife. Feel the pelts of local wildlife, watch the honey bees work to build their nest, and hike many of the foot trails available. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the woods. Allow 1 hour minimum for the Nature Center. Free. Phone (719) 520-6387.

Bigg City
Previously known as Mr. Biggs is located at 5825 Mark Dabling Road. Bigg City is an indoor amusement park with over 150,000 square feet. This facility features different areas for the different ages. Go karts are one of the most popular attraction as well as laser tag, little city, miniature golf, and bowling. There is something for everyone in the family. Tickets are sold in blocks of time, so avoid the long lines and go during slower times to really get your money’s worth.

Western Museum of Mining and Industry
Conveniently located off I-25 at Gleneagle exit 156. A popular attraction with Colorado Springs 4th graders, this museum is a living history book on the different forms of mining in the state of Colorado. Experience panning for gold or see an actual steam engine operate producing power for the many tools used in the mine. Experience the different stages of mining by walking through the exhibit. Attend a tour and actually witness the jack hammer or other equipment running. At Halloween, this museum is transformed into the Haunted Mine by a local non-profit organization.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Located just minutes from the famous five star hotel, the Broadmoor. From I-25 take exit 138 (Circle Dr.). Go west to The Broadmoor Hotel. Turn right at the hotel and follow signs to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is perched on the side of Cheyenne Mountain with incredible views of Colorado Springs. Be prepared for a good workout as most of the exhibits are uphill. Get up close to the many giraffes at African Rift Valley. Visit the most recent exihibit opened Summer 2008, Rocky Mountain Wild featuring animals native to the Rocky Mountains. Before leaving, make sure to visit Shrine of the Sun, Will Rogers Shrine, overlooking the zoo and all of Colorado Springs. The view is breath taking and certainly unmatched from anywhere in the city.

Ghost Town Museum
Located at 400 South 21st Street, the Ghost Town Wild West Museum was established in 1954 to preserve an era of the old west. Visit each building to experience how life was lived over 100 years ago. Enjoy the hands on activities including panning for gold, churning butter, or operate an old time nickelodeon.

Seven 7 Falls
Located just minutes from the Broadmoor Hotel and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, this natural wonder is a must see. Be prepared, to climb the Falls, you will need good supportive shoes and strong knees to tackle the 224 step stairway. Visit the Falls late in the afternoon during the summer and stay for the evening lighting display and see the city lit up at night.

Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Located in Manitou off Hwy 24, this historical Cog Railway will transport you to the top of Colorado Springs’ only fourteener, Pikes Peak. Enjoy the history lesson provided by the conductor as you make your way up through the steep slopes. Watch the terrain change and the views expand as you pass through the timberline. Watch for the different forms of wildlife at every bend. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is 8.9 miles long and takes approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes round trip. Plan for an additional 30 minutes at the Peak to enjoy the view with hot cocoa and donuts from the snack shop. At 14,110 feet Pikes Peak is always cold so carry a warm jacket year round.

Garden of the Gods
Located at 1805 N. 30th Street, south of Garden of the Gods Road. Garden of the Gods is a public park open to all visitors 365 days a year and free admission. The tall sharp red rocks jetsoning out of the ground can be seen from all over the city. Walk the many paths in the park to see the different rock formations up close. Try to find the remaining camel of the infamous kissing camels. Watch for wildlife, throughout the park. Schedule a guided tour on horseback through the Academy Riding Stables. Rock climbing is permitted with proper registration at the Visitor Center. Make sure to stop at the Visitors Center at the 30th Street entrance for shopping, shacks, or scheduling a tour. And no visit to the Garden of the Gods is complete without stopping at the Trading Post. Buy all your souvenirs in one location while enjoying a buffalo burger at the snack bar.

Fox Run Regional Park
Located at 2110 Stella Drive. Enjoy a day outdoors year round with the family at Fox Run Park. Facilities include over 5 miles of trails for hiking, running, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing. Small children will enjoy the playground. Reserve one of the pavilions for a large family gathering.